Audio Books?

Ledbetterus

Anyone into these? I just got done reading my first book of the new year and remembered someone mentioning these on another thread.

Are they boring to listen to? Does the reading add any drama or is it just some monotone dude just reading words? And who reads these aloud? Can I get a job doing that or does one need a degree? Is there like one guy, like the movie trailer dude, that reads everything or does it vary?

Anyone that's listened to an audio book before have any good "books" I can listen to?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

Shawn Smith Collective

My grandfather began listening to audio books in the early 90's since his eyes were deteriorating very quickly and he's a MAJOR book guy. My wife began listening to them in the car on her commute to and from work several years ago. Both agree that the two most important factors for a good audio book are:

1. A good book
2. The right reader

If you get a great book w/ a bad reader (monotone or whatever), you won't enjoy the book. It can be a very hit or miss type of thing, but if you have the option to read a review of the audiobook as opposed to just the book, or you can preview the audiobook to get a feel for the reader, that's your best bet.

Travelar

I have a lengthy commute and a rely on audiobooks to help pass the time. pjny has two valid points. Without those, the books suck.

iluvcats

since my commute to work is over 1 hour each way, my sister got me a sue grafton novel audiobook (I've read all of sue grafton's book through S). She got me T is for Trespassing. The reader uses expression and makes up voices.